Farmers of Odishas rainfed areas have poor access to quality pigeonpea materials. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) implemented a project Introduction and Expansion of Improved Pigeonpea (Arhar) Production Technology in Rainfed Upland Ecosystems of Odisha for four years (2011-2015) covering five districts. In 2013, a survey was conducted to study the adoption and effects of the interventions that revealed insights on yield, income and ways for sustaining and upscaling. The assessment showed that improved cultivars and improved agronomic practices resulted in significant increase in yield and income. One village-One variety seed system led to quality seed supply not only in the project sites but also in adjacent villages. Innovative capacity development and commitments of stakeholders enriched knowledge and skills of pigeonpeas cultivation that helped farmers in making appropriate choices. The result of the investment in two major pigeonpea activities of improve pigeonpea production technology (IPPT) and seed production (SP) showed a robust investment gain at 308%, about four times increased from the $900,000 invested in two years.

Rosanna P Mula, PhD: DevelopmeI graduated PhD: Development Studies at Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands. Former Special Project Scientist of ICRISAT from 2005 to 2016. Visiting Professor at Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines.